Antelope gun question

[packmule]

I'd have no issues with the 06. I've kept my 06 simple and have elk/MD/WT bullets consolidated down to 165gr Accubonds.


.22 generally requires good shot placement and wind can make that an issue sometimes.

 

[brooks]

25 06 110 AccuBond !!!!!!

 

[Musket Man]

I agree packmule. I pretty much stick with my 270win and 130 grain core-lokts on all my hunts. I know that gun and bullet well and I am very confident with it.

 

[jerm8352]

Just curious as to why accubonds? I usually use partitions, but have not really tried accubonds.

 

[packmule]

Same performance on impact as far as weight retention/penetration goes and a flatter trajectory from a higher BC. I've also found most of my rifles to pattern tighter with them. I have a cpl that flat out dont like them in certain weights (one of my 300wm doesn't like 165, a 7mag doesn't like 140...found that out after buying a case of them when I got the rifle, fortunately the 7-08s loved them)

 

[jims]

I used to antelope hunt with my .280 and it was a fine cartridge. Then I started using a .300 Win Mag and thought that was a great cartridge, especially when shooting across the windy plains. A couple of years ago, I got a .25-06 and I absolutely think it's the ideal antelope cartridge. High velocity with mild recoil. I deer hunted with it this fall in Missouri and noticed the recoil is light enough that I can watch shot impacts through the scope. That's nice. Accubonds wouldn't group in my .25-06, but 115 gr Ballistic Tips group well and have performed well on antelope and whitetails.

 

[Hilltop]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Still not sure whether I will get a new gun or just stock up on ammo and reloading supplies. I am looking at some 25-06 guns right now though.

I grew up in Wyoming and have harvested 25-30 antelope. All but 2 or 3 were with my 30-06. I use a 165 grain hornady interbond for everything from antelope to elk. IMO bullet choice will determine meat loss more than caliber. My wife shot a buck this year with her .243 and 95 grain SST bullets. We lost more meat from her buck than we did from mine. The 165 interbond hold together well but expands enough to put them down quickly. Usually a 1 inch exit hole and a dead antelope... You don't need a new gun but I have a cabinet full of guns I didn't need either. Antelope are very easy to put down so anything legal that you can shoot accurately will work. Considering cost to shoot, I would buy a .243 if you have to have the new gun... Flat, accurate, and just fun to shoot due to almost no recoil.